The Eye Of The Storm: Ophelia Kills Three People

The Eye Of The Storm: Ophelia Kills Three People

Three people have been killed in Storm Ophelia as devastating winds whip across Dublin and move further North.

A man in his thirties died in Tipperary after being injured with a chainsaw while trying to clear a fallen tree, while in Dundalk, a man died after a tree fell on his car.

Earlier, a woman in her fifties died in Waterford when a tree fell on her car. Another woman in her seventies, who was a passenger in the car, is in hospital in a serious condition.

All schools will remain closed tomorrow, although the Department of Education admits it will "have a major impact on families and on the workforce", it says the decision was taken "in the interests of safety for children and to provide clarity for everyone concerned."

*** all schools, colleges and other education institutions are to remain closed tomorrow, Monday 16th in response to the imminent Storm Ophelia. The decision was made following discussions with members of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning on this unprecedented storm

Hospital appointments were cancelled today, and the HSE admits that "some disruption is likely over the coming days" due to a number of factors including road conditions, building damage, power outages and disruption to full staffing levels.

The HSE says it expects a "gradual return to normal services over the next few days".

People with home and comprehensive car insurance are protected against storm damage caused by Ophelia. Destruction caused by falling trees or flying debris and structural damage are all covered. Fingal County Council is issuing sandbags to areas at risk of flooding.

Sandbags have been distributed to areas where flooding may occur. They are also available from depots. Contact Operations for specific details of distribution points: Balbriggan/Swords 01-8905595/89055956 Howth/Malahide 01-8906260 Castleknock/Mulhuddart 01-8704599 #Opheliapic.twitter.com/aj1zFIyq9d